Klymaxx Lead Guitarist Cheryl Cooley Launches 40th Anniversary Tour Amid Band Legacy Dispute

Pioneering R&B band Klymaxx, led by original lead guitarist Cheryl Cooley, is set to commemorate four decades of musical influence with a comprehensive national tour in 2025. The east coast tour represents more than a musical celebration—it's a strategic reclamation of the band's narrative and a platform for Cooley to address long-standing industry tensions.

The tour, spanning four key cities including Philadelphia, Bethesda, New York, and Las Vegas, will showcase the band's signature blend of R&B, pop, and funk. Beyond performing classic hits like 'The Men All Pause' and 'Meeting in the Ladies Room,' Cooley is leveraging this opportunity to challenge public perceptions about the band's current iteration.

Some former band members have publicly criticized Cooley's version of Klymaxx as a 'tribute band,' allegations Cooley sees as an attempted sabotage of her musical legacy. In response, she is using the tour as a platform to 'speak her truth' about the band's history and ongoing evolution.

A pivotal element of the tour is the release of a new single, 'Love Me,' which addresses themes of bullying and resilience. This track reflects the band's long-standing commitment to empowerment, echoing their first single 'Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman,' which originally secured their first record deal.

Historically significant as one of the first all-female R&B bands to control their sound and message, Klymaxx broke substantial ground in the music industry during the 1980s. Cooley's continued leadership ensures that the band's pioneering spirit remains intact, bridging generational musical experiences.

The tour represents more than a nostalgic musical journey—it's a testament to artistic persistence, female representation in music, and the enduring power of groundbreaking musical narratives. By confronting past controversies and continuing to produce new music, Cooley demonstrates that Klymaxx's influence extends far beyond their original decade of prominence.